Omega 3

Omega 3 – The Valuable Source of Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fat in the diet still carries a negative reputation, but not all fats are the same. What truly matters is the quality of fat. For the human body, an adequate supply of dietary fat is essential for proper functioning. It is particularly important to include the so-called “good” fats, and one term closely associated with this is Omega 3.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that must be obtained through the diet. The three main types are:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Found almost exclusively in plant-based foods such as soy, rapeseed, or flaxseed oil.
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Primarily found in fatty sea fish like salmon, mackerel, or herring.

ALA is a precursor that the body converts into EPA and DHA.

Omega-3 fatty acids perform a wide range of functions. They support vision and brain function and can enhance mental performance. They are also believed to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, Omega-3s positively affect blood vessels by increasing the flexibility of red blood cells, allowing them to reach even the smallest vessels. This ensures that all organs and tissues receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

For athletes, Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly valuable due to their anti-inflammatory effects. They can help prevent exercise-induced inflammation in muscles and joints.

Professional athletes are recommended to take 1–2 g of Omega-3 daily, while recreational athletes only need about 0.3 g per day. This requirement can easily be met with 1–2 fish-based meals per week. However, since many people dislike fish, which is a key source of Omega-3s, Omega-3 capsules from IronMaxx offer a convenient alternative.